What is the name for vertical columns in the periodic table?

The correct name for vertical columns in the periodic table is "groups." Each group contains elements that exhibit similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons. This similarity is crucial for predicting the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.

The term "groups" is widely used in chemistry to categorize elements that share common characteristics, making it easier to study and understand their interactions. While "families" is a term sometimes used interchangeably with "groups," the standard terminology in chemistry is "groups."

"Rows" refers to the horizontal series of elements in the periodic table, while "sets" does not have a formal application in this context. Thus, "groups" is the most accurate and accepted term for the vertical columns.